<p>Okay, so I go to super competitive high school where I'm not in the top quartile. However, I do know of many students from my school who have transferred to other high schools (kids who weren't even 2nd quartile) and end up at the tops of their classes (1,2,3 out of 200+ classes)</p>
<p>Should I switch high schools for the better rank?
I'm a rising senior so I think it's too late. Still, I'd like to know if rank is that important. Also, even though I think there are a lot of benefits to the high ranks, I feel like going to better high school is better in the long run.</p>
<p>Don’t switch. Your current school probably has better college placement and is giving you a better education. Rankings don’t matter all that much if you’re at a top tier school. I was probably only in the top 25% at my high school (didn’t rank) and still got into a top 3 liberal arts school. Don’t switch. you’ll be better off in the long run.</p>
<p>Switching schools at will depends on your local laws. How the new hs ranks you will depend on their policies. We have plenty of kids on CC who lost credit for X or now had to miss an AP because there was a requirement to take class Y, to graduate. You lose the continuity with the GC and teachers. You don’t know what advantages await you.</p>
<p>Add this: though top performers in an easier hs can stand out, in some areas (eg N.VA) the wealth of highly competitive, accomplished kids can mean those at a less competitive hs can get lost in the shuffle.</p>